Loong - Dragon

Bendigo Chinese Dragon

Loong is believed to be the oldest Imperial (five-clawed) dragon in the world. Bendigo's original Dragon, Loong, made his first appearance in 1892 and continued to parade the streets of Bendigo during festivals and celebrations every year until his retirement in 1970.

He was created in the city of Fat Shan on the Pearl River near Canton in China. In his original state, Loong was about sixty metres long and is built of silk, mirrors, bambo and papier maché. In 1901 Loong was taken to Melbourne for the Victorian and National Parade to mark the opening of Australia's first Federal Parliament. The Victoria Heritage Council listed Loong on the Victorian Heritage Register in 2008.